TI extends the lifetime of high-voltage isolation to over 40 years
Texas Instruments (TI) has introduced an opto-emulator range using silicon dioxide isolation in packages that are pin compatible with LED optocouplers.
The portfolio of signal isolation semiconductors is designed to improve signal integrity, consume less power, and extend the lifetime of high-voltage industrial and automotive applications to over 40 years.
“Today’s push for electrification, coupled with the intricacies of designing high-voltage systems, presents a need for engineers to increase the performance and lifetime of their products while ensuring the right level of isolation,” said Tsedeniya Abraham, general manager of interface products at Texas Instruments. “Our new portfolio of opto-emulators not only addresses the growing need for reliable and affordable isolation, but also exemplifies our commitment to investing in high-voltage technologies.”
Optocouplers, which integrate an LED to isolate the signal, have historically been a common choice among engineers. However, these typically require upfront overdesign to compensate for the inevitable aging effects of LEDs.
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TI’s opto-emulators eliminate the need for overdesign by using SiO2 for the isolation barrier, removing the effects of LED aging altogether. With a high dielectric strength of 500 VRMS/µm, TI’s SiO2 isolation barrier enables the new portfolio of devices to protect end-product designs for more than 40 years. Opto-emulators also provide isolation protection as high as 3,750 VRMS, while reducing power consumption by as much as 80%.
The isolators are able to withstand wide operating temperature ranges from –55°C to 125°C, while providing common-mode transient immunity up to 10 times higher than optocouplers.
Preproduction quantities of opto-emulator products are available now at TI.com/opto-emulators in package options as small as 4.8 mm by 3.5 mm. Evaluation modules start at US$19.00. Automotive versions of opto-emulator products are expected to be available in 2024.
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